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Bahrain has positioned itself as a premier destination for foreign investment, offering a streamlined path for entrepreneurs and business owners to secure long-term residency. The Investor Residency Permit, often referred to as the Investor Visa or Businessman Visa, is granted to foreign nationals who own or invest in a commercial entity within the Kingdom. This residency allows investors to fully commit to their business ventures while enjoying the numerous benefits of living and operating in this strategically located Gulf hub.

 

Key Benefits of the Investor Residency Permit

Acquiring the Investor Permit unlocks significant advantages for the foreign national and their family:

• Entrepreneur Status: The permit grants the holder official "Businessman" status within Bahrain.

• Multiple Entry/Exit: Enjoy unrestricted movement with multiple entry and exit privileges to and from Bahrain.

• Family Sponsorship: Shareholders are entitled to sponsor their dependents (spouse and children) for residency permits.

• Full Business Control: Bahrain permits up to 100% foreign ownership in over 350 business activities, giving investors complete control over their local enterprise.

• Regional Access: The permit can facilitate easy travel across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including the availability of a one-year multi-entry electronic visa for Saudi Arabia.

• Flexible Renewal: The residency can be renewed even if the holder is outside of the Kingdom.

 

Eligibility and Pathways to Residency

One of Bahrain’s most compelling features for investors is the low barrier to entry for securing this visa.

 

Minimal Investment Threshold

There is virtually no restriction on the capital amount required to qualify. An investor can obtain the permit with an initial share value or investment as low as BHD 1 (one Bahraini Dinar).

 

How to Qualify

An applicant must demonstrate ownership in a local company. There are several ways to meet this requirement:

1. Establish a New Company: Form a new legal entity, such as a With Limited Liability (WLL) company.

2. Invest in an Existing Entity: Inject capital into an established Bahraini business.

3. Purchase Shares: Acquire a shareholder stake in a currently operating company.

4. Become a Partner: Enter into a formal partnership arrangement with an existing enterprise.

Each shareholder in a company is eligible to receive an Investor Residency Permit.

 

The Application Process and Required Documentation

The application involves coordination and approval from three key government bodies: the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism (MOICT), the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), and the Nationality, Passport, and Residency Affairs (NPRA).

 

Essential Documents

To initiate the application for the Investor Residency Permit, the following documents are typically required:

• Copy of the applicant's valid Passport (must be valid for at least six months).

• Copy of the Commercial Registration (CR) Certificate and the CR Extract of the Bahraini company.

• Recent Office Electricity Bill (EWA) to confirm the registered business address.

• A Medical Report, which must be obtained from a GAMCA center (for applicants outside of Bahrain) or a certified medical center within the Kingdom.

• Copy of any previous resident permit (if applicable).

Note on Submission: Applicants should ensure all submitted documents are clear, current, and meet any specified digital formatting requirements from the authorities, as missing or unclear information is a common reason for application rejection.

 

Processing Timeline

The processing time for the Investor Residency Permit is typically efficient, often taking between 5 to 8 business days once all necessary company approvals and documentation are finalized.

 

Cost Structure and Renewal Options

The residency permit can be obtained for a duration of one or two years.

• A 1-Year Permit has an Initial Fee of BHD 172.

• A 2-Year Permit has an Initial Fee of BHD 344.

This initial fee includes the cost for the Basic Health Care (BHD 72) and the LMRA fee (BHD 100 per year).

 

Other Applicable Fees

A Monthly Residency Fee of BHD 5.00 is required to maintain the visa status. Investors are also exempt from paying GOSI (Social Insurance) contributions for themselves.

 

Renewal Costs

The permit offers flexible renewal terms, allowing the investor to choose a duration that suits their business plan:

• 6 Months: BHD 86

• 1 Year: BHD 172

• 2 Years: BHD 344